Help! How do I clean this off my AR-15??
gbelleh
October 3, 2003, 07:18 PM
My AR-15 was leaning (unloaded) temporarily in a corner where it was accidentally knocked over by a friend. The barrel scraped along the wall before it clattered to the floor. :eek:
As a result, there is paint from the wall on the end of the barrel and I haven't been able to get it off easily.
What would be the best way to remove it without damaging the finish?
This is a Bushmaster XM-15 (M4 type) with the muzzle brake.
If you enjoyed reading about "Help! How do I clean this off my AR-15??" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join
TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
MiniZ
October 3, 2003, 07:30 PM
Dab some of your favorite cleaning solvent on it and let it sit a while. Then put a little on a rag and give it some elbow grease.
In a worst case scenario, get some 000 steel wool and with gun oil/CLP on the steel wool, gently rub until it is gone.
Dr.Rob
October 3, 2003, 07:58 PM
Steel wool? Are you nuts?
A copper brush will NOT harm the parkerizing and yet is tough enough to scrub away the uglies. Steel WILL take off the finish.
gbelleh
October 3, 2003, 08:32 PM
I will try more prolonged solvent exposure. I've been reluctant to use any kind of brush on it.
Atticus
October 3, 2003, 08:35 PM
Pencil erasers work pretty well sometimes.
TacticalSquirrel
October 3, 2003, 08:41 PM
0000 or 000 Steel Wool is very soft and does not harm the finish. I have used many many many pieces of 0000 (4-ought) steel wool on some of the finest of finishes. Hoppes #9 will also help if used as a light coat. Very little of both are needed. 0000 wool can be used on any blued finish or even wood if it's got a little grime or something on it.
Jim K
October 3, 2003, 09:10 PM
Hi, gbelleh,
I agree on steel wool on blued steel, though I prefer brass or copper wool. But on Parkerizing, any steel wool will remove some finish and even brass or copper can affect it. I second the use of a bronze or copper brush, but if the paint is latex, just plain water and soap on a cloth might be enough.
One hopes you are going to repaint the wall as well.
Jim
Quartus
October 3, 2003, 09:20 PM
Goof off.
AR-10
October 3, 2003, 09:55 PM
No need for namecalling.:neener:
Goof Off. Is that anything like GooBeGone?
Texas Gunman
October 4, 2003, 09:22 AM
CLP, will gradually loosing it up, also their is a product called Oops, it will remove latex paint easily.
TG
Quartus
October 4, 2003, 06:35 PM
Goof Off. Is that anything like GooBeGone?
yup.
BTW, that wan't name calling, that was a recommendation for a way to spend Saturday! :D
resmeth
October 5, 2003, 04:38 AM
If you are worried about the finish use an old tooth brush. Dried paint shouldn't be too hard to get off with a little solvent, or soap and warm water.
MiniZ
October 5, 2003, 11:01 AM
Yes Dr. Rob, I am nuts.
I have used 000 or 0000 steel wool with oil as a lubricant to take marks off parkerized(I should have made that clear) parts for years.
I will defer to the judgement of much wiser members, however.
Jspy
October 5, 2003, 07:11 PM
Use denatured alcohol for the removal of latex paint. Just a dab on a clean rag should take it right off.
Grampa
October 6, 2003, 12:41 AM
Another vote for Goof Off! Unbelievable stuff.
AR-15Nutt
October 6, 2003, 08:51 AM
i like Carburtor/Choke Cleaner.......
works fast !! but oil it down good after treatment.......
TechBrute
October 6, 2003, 07:15 PM
Oxyclean!!
Just kidding. Seriously, though, one of those plastic dish scrubbers works well for me.
Stinger
October 6, 2003, 07:22 PM
Try your fingernail.
No, I'm serious. :)
Stinger
RustyHammer
October 7, 2003, 01:23 PM
Last resort: Permanent black magic marker .... couple coats over the white paint and you won't even notice it!
cookie
October 7, 2003, 01:53 PM
BTDT. CLP Breakfree and a toothbrush (not yours). :)
If you enjoyed reading about "Help! How do I clean this off my AR-15??" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join
TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
vBulletin® v3.8.6, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.